oh my turtles!

Yesterday I ended up being a chicken.  I could already see the white caps out there, so after connecting with a paddling friend, we paddled down past Kam II and then we both chickened out going farther down!  The wind has been so crazy and unpredictable lately so it has been a little threatening to go as far as we usually do.  Today I still saw the white caps out there, but I was earlier than usual, so I took a chance and paddled down to the boat ramp.  No one was there…in fact, no one was really out paddling so that made me a little bit wary, but luckily the wind seemed to be blowing from the south.  I was just heading into the boat ramp area when I was surprised by a turtle popping out of the water right at me!  I thought, okay, you almost ended up on my board buddy!  Then it swam under me and down.  Then I saw a turtle surfacing out farther, but I was hesitant to go out any farther because the wind was already picking up strength.  The water was getting very choppy, but I spotted another turtle out in front of me.  When I got to it,  there were two turtles and one of them was very friendly!  I wanted to hang out longer, but white caps were starting to form and the wind seemed to have changed directions which wasn’t a good sign for me paddling back!  It didn’t let up and I prayed I could make it back.  It was like a Disneyland ride….with water splashing over my board, but I just kept on paddling and hoping I would make it back.  Finally I got back to Kam I and made it in.  The wind continued to blow in and out, trying to decide which direction was going to take over…..but I did get to swim and the water was so clear!  I hovered down over the reef and rocks and saw quite a few fish, but then I headed back.  Suddenly a big turtle appeared!  I was so excited!  I swam with it for a while but it didn’t cozy up to me like the last turtle did.  I could tell it was not the same turtle as the other day, but I still enjoyed swimming with it!  The wind never quite went out again….so I packed up my stuff and went home.  I sure hope this wind gets back into its normal pattern one of these days.  I miss relaxing and hanging with my turtles!!!!